Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 2:36

"And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity," — Luke 2:36 (ASV)

Of the tribe of Aser. The tribe of Aser, or Asher, lived in the northern part of the land of Canaan. Why Anna was called a prophetess is not known. It might be because she had been the wife of a prophet, or because she was engaged in celebrating the praises of God (compare 1 Chronicles 25:1, 2, 4; 1 Samuel 10:5), or because she herself foretold future events, being inspired.